Cuba Libre Mocktail with Zero Proof White Rum

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This virgin Cuba Libre Mocktail is a mixed drink made with non alcoholic white rum, cola, and fresh lime juice. It is easy to make, so refreshing, and one of the world’s most popular mixed drinks made alcohol free.

Not only will you learn how to make the best non alcoholic version of a Cuba Libre, but I’ll review 3 zero proof white rums too!

Cuba Libre Mocktail with a lime wedge garnish on top.

For all my non-drinking friends out there who still love a cocktail moment, this Cuba Libre Mocktail recipe is about to become your weeknight, go-to drink.

With just 3 simple ingredients, this mocktail is a sip of sunshine no matter where you are. It is the classic rum and coke combination, but with a citrusy kick from freshly squeezed lime juice.

The key is using a high-quality white rum that is not only alcohol free, but also reminiscent of sugar cane and Caribbean flavors. After much testing, I have found the 3 best options out there so you can create the perfect virgin Cuba Libre.

Why You’ll Love This Cuba Libre Mocktail Recipe

THERE’S NON ALCOHOLIC WHITE RUM IN IT – This helps make your Cuba Libre Mocktail taste like it’s alcoholic sister. Not to mention, it tastes bland without zero proof spirits.
EASY AS 1, 2, 3 – Just pour, stir, and sip… that’s it. AND it’s only 3 ingredients too!
GREAT BALANCED FLAVOR – Sweet caramel cola, citrusy lime, subtle notes of vanilla, oak, and spices, with carbonation that makes this drink fizzy.

What is a Cuba Libre?

The Cuba Libre is a mixed Cuban cocktail made with white rum, cola, and lime. This classic drink became popular in the 1900s around the end of the Spanish-American War. Cuba Libre translates to “Free Cuba” and it’s known as the national drink of Cuba. Feel free to read more about its origin here.

Two non alcoholic Cuba Libre Mocktail drinks with limes.

Non Alcoholic Cuba Libre Ingredients

This mocktail is only 3 simple ingredients, YAY! Keep reading for a few notes and potential substitutions.

Non Alcoholic White Rum: I always use Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, but there are other options. Keep reading for details on my other recommended options below.
Cola: For an authentic Cuba Libre you will want to use Mexican coke made with cane sugar. You can also use traditional Coca-cola, diet Coke, or even Coke zero. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile, choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Lime Juice: Make sure you use freshly squeezed for the best flavor. Don’t forget to wash your limes before squeezing them.
Lime Wedges: This is used as a simple garnish. Again, wash your limes!

Equipment Needed

Glassware: Typically a Cuba Libre is served in highball glasses. I chose these glass tumblers.
Citrus Juicer: To help make hand juicing your lime easier, or use your hands to squeeze the juice out.
Spoon/ Stirrer: A long handled stirrer is helpful for mixing up your drink well.

Two non alcoholic Cuba Libre Mocktail drinks ready to sip and enjoy. Both are topped with lime wedges.

How to Make a Non Alcoholic Cuba Libre

This is one of the easiest mocktails out there. All you have to do is pour, stir, and sip. Here’s a short summer, the recipe card below will have more details.

1. POUR into your glass non alcoholic white rum, cola, and lime juice.

2. STIR together your Cuba Libre with a long handled stirrer.

3. GARNISH with a lime wedge and sip!

Step 2. Adding non alcoholic white rum to a glass.

3 Best Non Alcoholic White Rum Spirits

I am here to help you choose (with my honest opinion) which non alcoholic white rum is best for your taste preferences. I have tested quite a few to hunt down the best option for a Cuba Libre Mocktail.

Please keep in mind all zero proof spirits are made different. Depending on your taste preferences, some will taste better than others. Feel free to choose my favorite or any of the other options.

1. Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, this is what I use and it is the closest in flavor and smell to white rum. It has notes of sugar cane, oak, and citrus which perfectly blends with the cola and lime. There is a very small peppery finish to mimic alcohol in the mouth and nose. It is 4.5 calories per serving and allergen free.

2. 270° Botanicals White Caribbean Blend, this one has the most complex flavor profile without the peppery finish. It has notes of Caribbean muscovado, vanilla, and hints of caramel and banana. It is only 5 calories per serving, low in sugar, and is both vegan and allergen free.

3. Arkay Non Alcoholic White Rum, it has a strong peppery finish that is similar to alcoholic versions. The tasting notes are warm sugar cane, but not as pronounced as the others. It has no calories, no sugar, no fat, no carbs, no sweeteners, and is allergen free.

Close up of lime wedge garnish on the drink.

A Few Swaps and Variations To Try

MAKE IT LESS IN CALORIE AND SUGAR by using Coke zero or even diet Coke. This will not only cut down on the calories of this mocktail, but also in the processed sugar.

ADD A DASH OF NON ALCOHOLIC BITTERS for a more complex flavor. All The Bitter is my go to (get 10% off by using my code ENTIRELY10). In this recipe I like to add Aromatic bitters to boost the cane and oak flavors in this Cuba Libre Mocktail.

OPT FOR SPICED RUM INSTEAD OF WHITE RUM. White rum is traditionally used in a Cuba Libre, but dark spiced rum tastes great as well. I recommend Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, Ritual Rum Alternative, or Monday Zero Alcohol Rum. Lyre’s is the closest spice rum alternative I have tried and it has a mild peppery aftertaste to give the zing alcohol gives.

Overhead image of two drinks and small containers on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Is a Cuba Libre the same as a Rum and Coke?

They are similar, but the big difference is a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The citrus in a Cuba Libre cuts down on the sweetness while adding a bright note to the tropical flavors. Leaving out the lime would make it a traditional Rum and Coke drink.

Where can I buy non alcoholic, zero proof spirits?

If you don’t want to order online, I recommend checking your local grocery store first. Stores like CVS stores, Kroger, Walmart, and Target are carrying more and more non alcoholic spirits. I go to Meijer to buy mine, anything else I cannot find I order on Amazon (my storefront has tons of options).

More Rum Mocktail Recipes You Might Enjoy:

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